NY A04600

Establishes a new grant formula for school districts starting in the 2026-2027 school year, calculating funding based on the number of three-year-old and four-year-old prekindergarten pupils (half-day weighted at 0.5, full-day at 1.0) multiplied by $6,400 per pupil

Requires annual adjustment of the $6,400 per-pupil amount based on the consumer price index to account for inflation

Increases the mandatory set-aside for collaborative efforts with eligible community-based agencies from 10% to 15% of total grant awards to school districts

Directs the Commissioner of Education to consult with the Commissioner of Children and Family Services to establish equivalent standards for teacher-to-student supervision ratios and maximum class sizes across school districts and eligible agencies

Calls on the Commissioner of Education to develop strategies for streamlining operations of prekindergarten providers, including facilitating access to qualified early childhood education professionals and reducing overhead expenses